Research Scientist in Space Plasmas

at  University of Colorado Boulder

Requisition Number:
61640
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
Research Faculty
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
03-Feb-2025
Date Posted:
29-Jan-2025

JOB SUMMARY

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a research scientist position in the area of space plasmas. The candidate should have expertise in (1) Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission data analysis in multiple instruments including electric fields, (2) an understanding of MMS scientist-in-the-loop operations, (3) expertise in magnetic reconnection, and (4) expertise in Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. The successful candidate would work with the MMS team at LASP including Prof. Robert Ergun, Dr. Stefan Eriksson, Dr. Narges Ahmadi, Dr. Alex Chasapis, Dr. Yi Qi, and Dr. Maria Usanova. The space plasma research group at LASP also has active programs with NASA missions such as Parker Solar Probe, MAVEN, THEMIS, and JUNO. In addition, the space plasma group has an instrument on the up-coming NASA mission Global Dynamic Explorer (GDC). The candidate will be expected to either have or be able to obtain funding from other sources to develop their own independent research programs.
LASP offers a diverse set of resources for teaching and research, including access to observational, instrumental, and theoretical facilities. LASP is the PI institution of numerous space missions for heliophysics, planetary science, and astrophysics so the candidate would have access to excellent facilities for development of space-borne and ground-based hardware, if applicable. The space plasma group welcomes researchers interested in contributing to the scientific direction, vibrancy, and climate of the group.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

WHO WE ARE

LASP is a world-renowned space science research institute at the University of Colorado Boulder employing approximately 500 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and students. The University of Colorado receives more NASA funding than any public university in the country, due in large part to LASP programs. Professional engineers work closely with scientists and assembly technicians in designing and building space flight hardware while helping mentor students as entry-level engineers working on these programs. LASP is particularly proud of a work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for diverse experiences and a broad range of responsibilities.

• Scientific data analysis using multiple instruments on MMS, in particular, electric field observations. Publication of results and presenting results at scientific conferences.
• Participating in MMS scientist-in-the-loop operations.
• Research in magnetic reconnection. Publication of results and presenting results at scientific conferences.
• Research in the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. Publication of results and presenting results at scientific conferences.
• Developing and independent research program with funding.
• Mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and young scientists.
• Participating in group meetings and contributing to the scientific direction of the space plasma group.